35 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good, if not quite up to the original movie, January 15, 2000
This review is from: The Crow - Stairway To Heaven [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This is the opening two episodes for the Crow television series. As such it is a remake of the original Crow movie but it has been changed so that it is better suited to an ongoing series, i.e. Eric doesn't return to the grave at the end. It also introduces the Snakes, who are supernatural enemies of Crows, setting things up for future confrontations.
On the plus side, the series featured an exceptional cast. Mark Dacascos, who plays Eric, is a real find as he not only bears some resemblance to Brandon Lee but also has some exceptional martial arts moves and can act as well. It's a shame that he seems relegated to making B movies while Jean-Claude van Damme and Stephan Seagal get the high profile martial arts flicks. It's almost worth watching this video just to see him. Sabine Karsenti is lovely as Shelley and she and Dacascos have some real chemistry in their scenes together. And John Pyper-Ferguson does his usual good job as the villainous Top Dollar.
On the negative side, production values are lower since this was made for a straight-to-syndication television series. As is typical of this sort of effort, things didn't really start falling into place until several episodes into the series when everyone started getting really settled into their roles and the scriptwriters became more comfortable writing the different characters. At this early point, everything still felt a little stilted.
Something that you may or may not consider a bad thing is that it's also not as gloomy as the original movie. While not exactly upbeat, its not depressing either. There is an ongoing theme of hope, redemption, and rebirth in the series and it shows in this episode. If you're one of those Gen-X sorts who likes to wear all black and wander around complaining about how badly life sucks, this probably isn't a version of the Crow that you'll enjoy but other fans of the character probably do want to take a look at it.
Is it worth buying? I really can't see paying the current price (I hate priced to rent stuff) for any video tape but if it comes down to something more reasonable it's definitely on my buy list. In the meantime, rent it and hope that they eventually release the better later episodes as well.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Crow, but more optimistic, November 19, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: The Crow - Stairway To Heaven [VHS] (VHS Tape)
People say that when you remake something, if you don't have a good idea of what the original's soul was, then what's the point? This TV series was every bit a vessel for the ideals of justice, good over evil, and romance as the original movie. Anyone who says different is simply whining, and isn't likely to be pleased by anything but the original. Mark is incredible, both in acting and martial arts. He is every bit as moving and intriquing as Brandon Lee ever was. The soundtrack, featuring some great if slightly unknown talet, is nothing short of a complete emotional experience in itself. The single, "Goodbye," by the alt rock group The Painkillers featured in one of the last episodes still sticks with me months later. My only regret is that they may not release all the episodes, and that this movie is only available on VHS and not DVD as well. If you love the movie, you'll love the series. If all you could think while watching Crow 2: City of angels was "He isn't as cool as brandon lee" then don't waste you time or money. Go read your comic books instead.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
for those you think they are Crow fans, July 31, 2000
This review is from: The Crow - Stairway To Heaven [VHS] (VHS Tape)
To me the Crow Stairway to Heaven was a great follow up from the orignal movie "The Crow". The second move of the Crow was a poor follow up. The Video Stairway to Heaven turned into a TV series followed the the begining of the comic book and also the orignal movie but with a twist. He doen't go back to rest like the movie. But the acting was great and the story lines were very good. Mark Dacascos, does an excellant job playing his part has Eric. And it was a shame that the TV series ended. Those who say they true Crow fans that follow the comic book, should stick to reading the Comic book and probably should subscribe to Marvel. The video to me is a must see and if you can see the TV series, should.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
